VOLKSWAGEN POLO 2015 Owner´s Manual
Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN, Model Year: 2015, Model line: POLO, Model: VOLKSWAGEN POLO 2015Pages: 100, PDF Size: 4.14 MB
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Types of front passenger front airbag system
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings →Introduction
Volkswagen offers two different front airbag systems for front passengers:
AB
Features of the front passenger front airbag that can only
be switched off by a qualified workshop.
Features of the front passenger front airbag that can be
switched off manually using the key-operated switch
→ Switching the front passenger front airbag on and off manually using
the key-operated switch .
Name: airbag system.Name: airbag system with front passenger front airbag
deactivation.
– Indicator lamp in the instrument cluster.– Indicator lamp in the instrument cluster.
– Front passenger front airbag in the dash panel.– Indicator lamp in top area of the centre console
.PASSENGER AIR BAG.
– Key-operated switch in the stowage compartment in the dash panel
on the front passenger side.
– Front passenger front airbag in the dash panel.
Indicator lamps
Fine dust or steam may be released when the airbags trigger. This is normal and does not mean that there is a fire in the vehicle.
The fine dust can cause irritation to the skin and eye membranes and cause breathing difficulties, particularly for people suffering from
asthma or people who have (had) other respiratory problems. To help reduce breathing difficulties, get out of the vehicle or open the
windows or doors for more fresh air.
If you come into contact with the dust, you should wash your hands and face with a mild soap and water before eating.
Do not let the dust get into your eyes or into open wounds.
If dust has entered your eyes, rinse them with water.
WARNING
Cleaning agents that contain solvents cause the surface of the airbag modules to become porous. In an accident that triggers the airbag, loose
plastic parts can cause serious injury.
Never clean the dash panel or the airbag covers with cleansers that contain solvents.
WARNING
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Fig. 59 In the upper section of the centre console: indicator lamp for disabled front passenger front airbag
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings →Introduction
Lit upLocationPossible causeAction
Instrument clusterFault in airbag and belt tensioner system.Go to a qualified workshop to have the system
checked immediately.
Upper section of the centre
console
Fault in the airbag system.Go to a qualified workshop to have the system
checked immediately.
Front passenger front airbag switched off.Check whether the airbag should stay switched
off.
Several warning and indicator lamps will light up briefly as a functional check when the ignition is switched on. They will go out after a few
seconds.
If the indicator lamp PASSENGER AIRBAG in the upper part centre console is not continuously lit or if it lights up together with the
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster when the front passenger front airbag is switched off, there may be a fault in the airbag system →
.
Description and function of the airbags
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings →Introduction
The airbags can protect vehicle occupants during frontal and side collisions by reducing their movement in the direction of the collision.
When an airbag is triggered, it is inflated by a gas generator. This causes the airbag covers to break, and the airbags inflate forcefully to cover
If there is a fault in the airbag system, the airbag may not trigger correctly, may not trigger at all or may trigger unexpectedly. This can cause
severe or fatal injuries.
The airbag system should be checked by a qualified workshop as soon as possible.
Never fit a child seat to the front passenger seat or remove a child seat that is already fitted. The front passenger front airbag may trigger
during an accident in spite of the fault.
WARNING
To avoid damage to your vehicle, always observe the indicator lamps and associated warning texts.
NOTICE
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their deployment zones within milliseconds. Once a vehicle occupant wearing a seat belt starts to sink into the inflated airbag, the gas inside the
airbag starts to escape to cushion the occupant and slow down their movement. This can reduce the risk of severe and fatal injuries. A triggered
airbag will not always prevent other injuries from occurring, such as swelling, bruising, burning and grazing.
Airbags provide no protection for the arms or lower body.
The most important factors for triggering the airbag are the type of accident, the angle of impact, the vehicle speed and the type of object with
which the vehicle collides. Therefore, visible damage to the vehicle does not always mean that the airbag should have been triggered.
Whether or not the airbag triggers is determined by the vehicle deceleration rate caused by the collision and registered by the electronic control
unit. If this rate is below the reference value programmed into the control unit, the airbags will not be triggered, even though the vehicle may be
badly damaged as a result of the collision. Vehicle damage, repair costs or even the lack of vehicle damage in an accident do not necessarily
give an indication of whether an airbag should inflate or not. It is not possible to define a range of vehicle speeds and reference values, since the
circumstances will vary considerably between one collision and another. It is therefore impossible to cover every possible kind and angle of
impact that would trigger the airbags. Important factors in the triggering of the airbag include the nature (hard or soft) of the object that the vehicle
hits, the angle of impact, and the vehicle speed.
Airbags only serve as a supplement to the three-point seat belt in some accident situations when the vehicle braking is sufficient to trigger the
airbags. Airbags can only be triggered once and only in certain situations. The seat belts are always there to provide protection in situations in
which the airbags are not triggered or have already been triggered. For example, if the vehicle collides with a further vehicle following the initial
collision, or is hit by another vehicle.
The airbag system is part of the vehicle's overall passive safety concept. The airbag system can only work effectively when the occupants are
wearing their seat belts correctly and have assumed a proper sitting position → Adjusting the seat position .
Components of the vehicle safety concept
The following vehicle safety equipment makes up the vehicle's safety concept to reduce the risk of severe and fatal injuries. Some of this
equipment may not be fitted in your particular vehicle. It may not be available at all in some countries.
Optimised seat belts for all seats.
Belt tensioners for driver and front passenger.
Belt tension limiter for the driver, front passenger and, if applicable, for the rear outer seats.
Belt height adjuster for the front seats.
Warning lamp .
Front airbags for driver and front passenger.
Combined curtain and side airbags for the driver and front passenger.
Curtain airbags on the right and left.
Airbag indicator lamp .
PASSENGER AIR BAG Indicator lamp in top area of the centre console.
Control units and sensors.
Height-adjustable head restraints optimised for rear impact.
Adjustable steering column.
If fitted, ISOFIX anchor points for child seats on the rear outer seats.
If applicable, securing points for the top tether for child seats.
Situations when the front, side, head or combined curtain and side airbags will not be triggered:
If the ignition is switched off during a collision.
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If the level of deceleration measured by the control unit is too low during a collision at the front of the vehicle.
During a minor side collision.
During rear collisions.
If the vehicle rolls over.
If the impact speed in a collision is lower than the reference value specified in the control unit.
Front airbags
Fig. 60 Location and deployment zone of the driver front airbag
Fig. 61 Location and deployment zone of the front passenger front airbag
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings →Introduction
In conjunction with the seat belts, the front airbag system gives the front occupants additional protection for the head and chest in the event of a
severe frontal collision. Always keep as far away from the front airbag as possible → Adjusting the seat position . This allows the front airbags to
inflate fully when triggered, thus providing maximum protection.
The front airbag for the driver is located in the steering wheel → Fig. 60 A and the front airbag for the front passenger is located in the dash panel
→ Fig. 61 A. The airbag locations are identified by the text AIRBAG.
The areas inside the red lines → Fig. 60 B and → Fig. 61 B are covered by the front airbags when triggered (deployment zone). You must never
leave or attach any objects in these areas → . The factory-fitted accessories, such as the base plate for the mobile telephone holder, will not
be struck when the driver and front passenger front airbags are triggered.
The airbag covers fold out of the steering wheel → Fig. 60 B or dash panel → Fig. 61 B when the driver and front passenger airbags deploy.
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Switching the front passenger front airbag on and off manually using the key-operated switch
Fig. 62 In the stowage compartment on the front passenger side: key switch for disabling and enabling the front airbag on the front passenger
side
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings →Introduction
The front passenger front airbag must be switched off when securing a rear-facing child seat to the front passenger seat.
Disabling the front passenger front airbag
Switch off the ignition.
Open the stowage compartment on the front passenger side.
Once triggered, the airbag inflates at high speed.
Always leave the deployment zones of the front airbags clear.
Never attach any objects, such as drink or telephone holders, to the covers of the airbags or anywhere in the airbag deployment zone.
No other people, animals or objects may be carried between the occupants of the front seats and the airbag deployment zone. Make sure
that children and passengers also keep to this rule.
Do not attach any objects, e.g. mobile navigation devices, to the windscreen above the front airbag on the front passenger side.
Do not cover or stick anything on the steering wheel hub or the soft plastic surface of the airbag unit in the dash panel on the front
passenger side, and do not modify them in any way.
DANGER
The front airbags are deployed in front of the steering wheel → Fig. 60 and dash panel → Fig. 61 .
When driving, always hold the steering wheel with both hands on the outside of the ring at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions.
Adjust the driver seat so that there is at least 25 cm between your breastbone and the hub of the steering wheel. Contact a qualified
workshop if your physical build makes this impracticable.
Adjust the front passenger seat so that the distance between the passenger and the dash panel is as large as possible.
WARNING
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Fold the key bit of the vehicle key all the way out → Vehicle key set .
Insert the open key bit into the key switch in the stowage compartment → Fig. 62 to the second point of resistance. Around three quarters of
the key bit should be inserted in the key switch at this point → .
Turn the vehicle key, without applying force, to the position.
Remove the vehicle key from the key switch → and fold the key bit away.
Close the stowage compartment on the front passenger side.
When the ignition is switched on, the indicator lamp PASSENGER AIRBAG will light up steadily in the upper section of the centre
console → Indicator lamps .
Enabling the front passenger front airbag
Switch off the ignition.
Open the stowage compartment on the front passenger side.
Fold the key bit of the vehicle key all the way out → Vehicle key set .
Insert the open key bit into the key switch in the stowage compartment → Fig. 62 to the second point of resistance. Around three quarters of
the key bit should be inserted in the key switch at this point → .
Turn the vehicle key, without applying force, to the position.
Remove the vehicle key from the key switch → and fold the key bit away.
Close the stowage compartment on the front passenger side.
Check that the PASSENGER AIRBAG indicator lamp in the upper section of the centre console does not light up when the
ignition is switched on → Indicator lamps .
Ensuring that the front passenger front airbag has been deactivated
The only sure sign that the front passenger front airbag has been deactivated is when the PASSENGER AIRBAG indicator lamp is
displayed in the upper section of the centre console ( lights up yellow steadily) → Indicator lamps .
If the indicator lamp PASSENGER AIR BAG in the upper section of the centre console is not lit up steadily, or if it lights up at the
same time as indicator lamp in the instrument cluster, do not attach any child restraint system to the front passenger seat for safety reasons.
The front passenger front airbag may trigger during an accident.
Do not leave the vehicle key in the key switch while driving.
Strong vibration may cause the vehicle key to turn in the key switch, which could cause the front passenger front airbag to be activated.
Untimely inflation of the front passenger front airbag could lead to serious or fatal injuries.
WARNING
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Side airbags
Fig. 63 A: on lefthand side of vehicle: deployment zone of the side airbag. B: on the side of the front seat: location and deployment range of the
side airbag
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings →Introduction
The side airbags are located in the outer seat backrest cushions of the driver seat and front passenger seat → Fig. 63 B. The locations of the
airbags are shown by labels with the word AIRBAG.
The areas outlined in red → Fig. 63 are inside the deployment area of the side airbags. You must never leave or attach any objects in these
areas → .
During a side collision, the side airbags will be deployed on the side of the vehicle which is impacted, thus reducing the risk of injury to the areas
of the occupants' bodies facing the impact.
The front passenger front airbag should only be switched off in exceptional circumstances.
To prevent damage to the airbag system, only switch the front passenger front airbag on and off when the ignition is switched off.
It is the driver's responsibility to ensure that the key-operated switch is set to the correct position.
Only switch the front passenger front airbag off if, in exceptional circumstances, a child seat has to be attached to the front passenger seat.
Switch the front passenger front airbag back on again as soon as the child seat on the front passenger seat is no longer being used.
WARNING
If the key bit is not inserted far enough, the key switch could be damaged when the key is turned.
NOTICE
Do not leave the vehicle key in the key switch, as this could result in damage to the stowage compartment, key switch or vehicle key when the
stowage compartment is closed.
NOTICE
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Combined curtain and side airbags
Fig. 64 A: on lefthand side of vehicle: deployment zone of the combined curtain and side airbags. B: on the side of the front seat: location and
deployment zone of the combined curtain and side airbag
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings →Introduction
The combined curtain and side airbags are located in the outer seat backrest cushions → Fig. 64 B of the driver seat and front passenger seat.
The locations of the airbags are shown by labels with the word AIRBAG.
The areas outlined in red → Fig. 64 are inside the deployment area of the combined head/side airbags. You must never leave or attach any
objects in these areas → .
Once triggered, the airbag inflates at high speed.
Always leave the deployment zones of the side airbags clear.
No other people, animals or objects may be carried between the occupants of the front seats and the airbag deployment zone. Make sure
that children and passengers also keep to this rule.
The built-in coat hooks should only be used for lightweight clothing. Do not leave any heavy or sharp objects in the pockets.
Do not fit any accessories to the doors.
Do not fit seat covers or protective covers over the seats unless they have been expressly approved for use in the vehicle. Otherwise the
side airbag may not be able to inflate once triggered.
WARNING
Incorrect use of the driver and front passenger seat could hinder the proper function of the side airbag and cause serious injury.
Never remove the front seats from the vehicle or alter any components of these seats.
If too much pressure is applied to the backrest side bolster, the side airbags may not be triggered correctly, may not trigger at all, or may
trigger unexpectedly.
Any damage to the original seat upholstery or around the seams of the side airbag units must be repaired immediately by a qualified
workshop.
WARNING
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During a side collision, the combined curtain and side airbags will be deployed on the vehicle's side of impact, reducing the risk of injury to the
areas of the vehicle occupants' bodies facing the impact.
Curtain airbags
Fig. 65 On the lefthand side of the vehicle: location and deployment zone of the curtain airbag
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings →Introduction
In the interior, a curtain airbag is fitted above the doors on both the driver and front passenger sides → Fig. 65 . The airbag location is identified
by the text AIRBAG.
Once triggered, the airbag inflates at high speed.
Always keep the deployment zones of the combined curtain and side airbags clear.
No other people, animals or objects may be carried between the occupants of the front seats and the airbag deployment zone. Make sure
that children and passengers also keep to this rule.
The built-in coat hooks should only be used for lightweight clothing. Do not leave any heavy or sharp objects in the pockets.
Do not fit any accessories to the doors.
Do not fit seat covers or protective covers over the seats unless they have been expressly approved for use in the vehicle. Otherwise the
combined combined curtain and side airbags may not be able to deploy if it has been triggered.
WARNING
Incorrect use of the driver and front passenger seat could hinder the proper function of the combined curtain and side airbags and cause
serious injury.
Never remove the front seats from the vehicle or alter any components of these seats.
If too much pressure is applied to the backrest side bolster, the combined curtain and side airbags may not be triggered correctly, may not
trigger at all or may trigger unexpectedly.
Any damage to the original seat upholstery or around the seams of the combined curtain and side airbag units must be repaired immediately
by a qualified workshop.
WARNING
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The area in the red frame → Fig. 65 is covered by the curtain airbag when triggered (deployment zone). For this reason, you must never leave or
attach any items in this area → .
In a side collision the curtain airbag is triggered on the impact side of the vehicle.
In a side collision, the curtain airbags reduce the risk of injury to the areas of the body facing the impact for vehicle occupants on the front seats
and outer rear seats.
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
→ Basic information on fitting and using child seats
→ Types of child seat
→ Securing systems
→ Securing a child seat with ISOFIX
→ Securing child seats with the upper strap (top tether)
→ Securing child seats with a seat belt
Using child seats can reduce the risk of injury to the child if there is an accident. Always use child seats when driving with children.
Note the following:
Child seats are classified into groups depending on the size, age and weight of child for which they are designed.
Various securing systems are used to secure child seats in the vehicle.
For safety reasons child seats should always be fitted to the rear seats. They should only be fitted to the front passenger seat in exceptional
cases.
Volkswagen recommends child seats from the Volkswagen range of accessories. These child seats have been developed and approved for use
in Volkswagen vehicles.
Once triggered, the airbag inflates at high speed.
Always leave the deployment zones of the curtain airbags clear.
Never secure any items to the cover or in the deployment zone of the curtain airbag.
Vehicle occupants sitting on the front seats and rear outer seats must never carry any people, pets or objects in the deployment zone
between themselves and the airbags. Make sure that children and passengers also keep to this rule.
The built-in coat hooks should only be used for lightweight clothing. Do not leave any heavy or sharp objects in the pockets.
Do not fit any accessories to the doors.
Do not install any sunblinds onto the side windows unless they have been expressly approved for use in your vehicle.
Only push the sunblinds over to the side windows if no items are attached to them (e.g. pens or the remote control for a garage door).
WARNING
Child seats